Plainfield Schools May Outsource Custodial Services

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield School District 202 is exploring the possibility of outsourcing custodial services to more effectively manage its finances in light of the state’s unpredictable and inadequate public education funding.

“The condition of state’s economy forces us, and many districts, to continuously look for new cost containment measures,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lane Abrell.

The district notified the Plainfield Association of Support Staff in a Feb. 11 letter that the Board of Education is “considering contracting with a third party to perform custodial services currently performed by PASS members to more effectively manage costs including workforce safety, efficiency, supplies, benefits and compensation.”

The district tentatively plans to solicit bids for custodial services on or about March 8, 2016. Plans call for the Board of Education to publicly review and consider bids at its April 11 regular meeting.

District 202 has contracted with outside vendors for both transportation and food services for over two decades.

Plainfield Association Support Staff President John Piechocinski said in a statement that the news came as a shock to custodians within the school district.

“Outsourcing will cost taxpayers more, not less. When you replace not-for-profit school district employees with a for-profit company, it jeopardizes safety, cleanliness and security in the schools,” Piechocinski said. ”It replaces neighbors and community friends with a private crew of employees who answer to the company, not the school district. It is our intention to fight this outsourcing effort. Plainfield schools and children deserve quality in-house employees who are part of this community and dedicated to the school district.”